Flexible graduates 'will make the most of job opportunities'
30/01/2012 16:42
Graduates must make themselves flexible if they hope to take advantage of job opportunities as recruitment agencies demand more from candidates. The competitive jobs market means recruiters have a greater level of choice for their
job vacancies and candidates must respond accordingly.
Andrew Pullman, managing director at People Risk Solutions, said companies are looking at how much they should invest in talent when they are struggling with the tough economic climate – and this means graduates must prove more than ever that they meet requirements.
"The slowdown in the economy has caused most firms to rein in their costs and future investments. Also, graduate unemployment is at a high so that new graduates are also competing with previous intakes," he explained.
Larger organisations which "typically continue to hire graduates because they have more resources and recognise the need to keep a pipeline of talent," perhaps offer the greatest opportunities for graduates.
"As long as graduates are prepared to be flexible with their first job there are still opportunities out there," Mr Pullman conceded.
Work experience offers one way in which graduates can set themselves apart from the crowd, with specific skills prized particularly highly.
Mike Barnard, from graduate employment research body Milkround, suggested employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have hands-on experience and a proven track record in a professional environment.
Those who do not find themselves on the "back foot" when entering the market, he cautioned.
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Posted by Sophie O'Meara
